“It’s all about the art of compromise as a couple, dear boy.” Pedro winks. “Have fun!”
Before I can ask for more details, he stands and strides off, leaving us with the envelopes and the ever-present camera crew. I steal a look at Antoine, who’s already opening his envelope. I unseal mine, only to discover a pretty note that has no more information than what Pedro just gave us.
“Well,” I say. “What activities should we pick?”
Antoine sets his envelope down. “How do you feel about hiking?”
“Hiking? You mean, like… on purpose?”
His lips quirk. “Yes. There’s a trail near the cliffs. It must be beautiful especially in the morning.”
“Tomorrow morning?” My eyes widen in horror. “Instead of the lazy beach time I planned?”
“Yes.”
Ugh, I don’t want to!But saying no feels like admitting defeat.
I pout. “Fine, we’ll hike.”
“Your turn.”
I tap my chin, thinking. “Do you like sitcoms?”
“No. They’re dumb. The laughter’s fake. It’s a total waste of time.”
I grin. “Perfect. We’ll watchFriends.”
“Friends?” There’s a flicker of dread in his eyes.
“Just one episode,” I reassure him. “Honestly, it’s a kinder challenge than dragging me up a mountain.”
He responds with an audible exhale through his nose. “OK. But if it’s as bad as I think it will be, I get to pick the restaurant for tomorrow’s dinner.”
“Deal!” I extend my hand.
He shakes it. His grip is warm and firm, and for a moment, I forget we’re not alone. Then the cameraman moves closer, and I pull my hand back, suddenly too aware of how many people will be watching this.
Antoine reclines back on his lounger. “You won’t regret agreeing to the hike.”
“And you’re going to loveFriends!”
His lip curls down. “I doubt it.”
CHAPTER TEN
ANTOINE
The morning air has a sharp tang to it that delights the senses and clears the head. I look at the jagged cliffs stretching ahead of us. Next to me, Laura’s attention is on the sea down below. She’s smiling with the insouciance of an inexperienced hiker who hasn’t yet figured out that the climb will get much harder.
Should I tell her?Nah, let her enjoy herself a little longer.
“Just so you know, I’m a B person, an owl.” She adjusts the strap of her daypack. “This is too early for me.”
“But it’s summer, and we’re in Sardinia, and it’ll get too hot for hiking later,” I explain. “You’d suffer much more.”
“My point is, why suffer at all, when we could just… not?”
“Because it’s worth it.” I step over a loose rock in the trail. “You’ll see.”
